FLORIDA LAWS AND RULES
EXAMINATION – PHYSICAL
THERAPY: VERIFIED QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWER RATIONALES
(2026/2027 EDITION) (newest)
INTRODUCTION
This document contains 100 practice questions designed to prepare candidates for
the official Florida Laws and Rules Examination. Content is based on Chapter 486,
Florida Statutes; Chapter 456, Florida Statutes; and Rule Chapter 64B17, Florida
Administrative Code.
Domains Covered:
• Legislative Intent and Definitions (25%)
• Board Powers and Duties (5%)
• Licensure and Examination (7.5%)
• Patient Care (35%)
• Disciplinary Action and Unlawful Practice (15%)
• Consumer Advocacy (12.5%)
SECTION A: LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND DEFINITIONS
(Questions 1-13)
Question 1
The sole purpose of Chapter 486, Florida Statutes, is to:
A. Establish the fee structure for physical therapy licensure
B. Ensure that every PT and PTA in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
,practice
C. Define the scope of practice for unlicensed personnel
D. Create continuing education requirements for license renewal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The legislative intent of Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical
therapist and physical therapist assistant in the state meets minimum requirements
for safe practice. If a licensee falls below minimum competency or presents a danger
to the public, they are to be prohibited from practicing in this state .
Question 2
Under Florida law, physical therapy and physiotherapy are:
A. Not interchangeable terms
B. Interchangeable terms meaning the same practice
C. Two distinct practice areas with different requirements
D. Terms that cannot both be used by the same licensee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physical therapy and physiotherapy are legally considered
interchangeable terms in Florida .
Question 3
The regulation of physical therapy practice in Florida is justified under which
state power?
A. Federal preemption
B. Police powers of the state
C. Commerce clause
D. Contract clause
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public is
exercised under the police powers of the state .
,Question 4
Which healthcare professional is NOT considered a practitioner of record for
signing a physical therapist's plan of care?
A. Chiropractor
B. Podiatrist
C. Physician
D. Pharmacist
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pharmacist is not included in the list of healthcare practitioners
authorized to review and sign a physical therapist's plan of care. Practitioners of
record include chiropractors (licensed under Chapter 460), podiatrists, physicians,
and other licensed healthcare providers designated by statute .
Question 5
Which of the following is included in the definition of "unlawful practice"
under Florida law?
A. Practicing without a valid license
B. Failing to complete continuing education requirements
C. Not maintaining malpractice insurance
D. Working beyond posted clinic hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Unlawful practice includes practicing physical therapy without a valid
license issued by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. This is a prohibited act that
carries statutory penalties .
Question 6
, A person who holds a license pursuant to Chapter 486 may use which letters in
connection with their name?
A. P.T.
B. P.T.A.
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A person licensed as a physical therapist may use the letters "P.T." in
connection with their name or place of business to denote their licensure. Physical
therapist assistants have separate designation requirements .
Question 7
The term "direct supervision" as used in Florida physical therapy regulations
means:
A. The supervisor must be in the same geographic location and available by
telephone
B. The supervisor must be present in the same facility
C. The supervisor must be in direct line of sight
D. The supervisor must physically co-treat every patient
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Direct supervision generally requires the supervising physical therapist to
be in direct line of sight of the supervised personnel. This is more restrictive than
general supervision requirements .
Question 8
Which statement regarding unlicensed personnel is TRUE?
A. A PTA can assign patient tasks to unlicensed personnel
B. General supervision is sufficient during patient care delivered by unlicensed
personnel
C. Two unlicensed personnel can provide patient-directed care simultaneously while
EXAMINATION – PHYSICAL
THERAPY: VERIFIED QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWER RATIONALES
(2026/2027 EDITION) (newest)
INTRODUCTION
This document contains 100 practice questions designed to prepare candidates for
the official Florida Laws and Rules Examination. Content is based on Chapter 486,
Florida Statutes; Chapter 456, Florida Statutes; and Rule Chapter 64B17, Florida
Administrative Code.
Domains Covered:
• Legislative Intent and Definitions (25%)
• Board Powers and Duties (5%)
• Licensure and Examination (7.5%)
• Patient Care (35%)
• Disciplinary Action and Unlawful Practice (15%)
• Consumer Advocacy (12.5%)
SECTION A: LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND DEFINITIONS
(Questions 1-13)
Question 1
The sole purpose of Chapter 486, Florida Statutes, is to:
A. Establish the fee structure for physical therapy licensure
B. Ensure that every PT and PTA in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
,practice
C. Define the scope of practice for unlicensed personnel
D. Create continuing education requirements for license renewal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The legislative intent of Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical
therapist and physical therapist assistant in the state meets minimum requirements
for safe practice. If a licensee falls below minimum competency or presents a danger
to the public, they are to be prohibited from practicing in this state .
Question 2
Under Florida law, physical therapy and physiotherapy are:
A. Not interchangeable terms
B. Interchangeable terms meaning the same practice
C. Two distinct practice areas with different requirements
D. Terms that cannot both be used by the same licensee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physical therapy and physiotherapy are legally considered
interchangeable terms in Florida .
Question 3
The regulation of physical therapy practice in Florida is justified under which
state power?
A. Federal preemption
B. Police powers of the state
C. Commerce clause
D. Contract clause
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public is
exercised under the police powers of the state .
,Question 4
Which healthcare professional is NOT considered a practitioner of record for
signing a physical therapist's plan of care?
A. Chiropractor
B. Podiatrist
C. Physician
D. Pharmacist
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pharmacist is not included in the list of healthcare practitioners
authorized to review and sign a physical therapist's plan of care. Practitioners of
record include chiropractors (licensed under Chapter 460), podiatrists, physicians,
and other licensed healthcare providers designated by statute .
Question 5
Which of the following is included in the definition of "unlawful practice"
under Florida law?
A. Practicing without a valid license
B. Failing to complete continuing education requirements
C. Not maintaining malpractice insurance
D. Working beyond posted clinic hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Unlawful practice includes practicing physical therapy without a valid
license issued by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. This is a prohibited act that
carries statutory penalties .
Question 6
, A person who holds a license pursuant to Chapter 486 may use which letters in
connection with their name?
A. P.T.
B. P.T.A.
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A person licensed as a physical therapist may use the letters "P.T." in
connection with their name or place of business to denote their licensure. Physical
therapist assistants have separate designation requirements .
Question 7
The term "direct supervision" as used in Florida physical therapy regulations
means:
A. The supervisor must be in the same geographic location and available by
telephone
B. The supervisor must be present in the same facility
C. The supervisor must be in direct line of sight
D. The supervisor must physically co-treat every patient
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Direct supervision generally requires the supervising physical therapist to
be in direct line of sight of the supervised personnel. This is more restrictive than
general supervision requirements .
Question 8
Which statement regarding unlicensed personnel is TRUE?
A. A PTA can assign patient tasks to unlicensed personnel
B. General supervision is sufficient during patient care delivered by unlicensed
personnel
C. Two unlicensed personnel can provide patient-directed care simultaneously while
